Tomorrow is my first triathlon of the season! I’m really looking forward to it because it’s been 9 months since my last one. It’s a short season, so I really want to make the most of it.
Last July, the day before my first Half-Ironman, I was at the informational session put on by the event organizers. The speaker asked if this race would be anyone’s first triathlon. Not one hand was raised.
I almost raised my hand, but a) I didn’t want people to think I was insane for making my first triathlon a 70.3 distance one; and b) it technically wasn’t my first triathlon. I had raced one before… albeit 17 years earlier.
When I was all of 11 years old, back in 1992, I entered a triathlon at the YMCA. I don’t remember the exact distance, but it was definitely a short pool swim (like, only 2 laps), followed by short bike and run portions.
Clearly, with my baggy t-shirt, mountain bike and ill-fitting helmet, I meant business.
I won my age group, but I don’t remember the competition being all that steep.
Five weeks (only! five! weeks!) from tomorrow is the Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island. I’m not in the same shape I was in last year at this time, but this past week I got some good, solid training in and I’m hoping for more of the same in the coming weeks.
As far as tomorrow goes, and for the Half-Ironman in 5 weeks, I just want to finish feeling like I did my best (and hopefully, feeling the exact opposite of how I felt during/right after the Boston Marathon).
Here’s to a great season!
I remember cheering you on that day! You were awesome!
Janie… I was as excited about the Y-Tri as I am for the Half Iron! The only difference THIS time is that I won’t be cheering for you as you cross the finish line… because I will be 2 or 3 hours BEHIND you in the race!! By the time I finish, you’ll be showered, changed and ready for NEXT year!! Ha ha!! Love you!! Mom xox!!
Ditto to Dad….you are STILL awesome!
Have a blast.
Hey Jane,
All the best for tomorrow and in 5 weeks! You go girl!
I’m back running too (in the gym though, as the Florida heat and humidity is a little too much for my running outside), after I broke a toe about a month ago. I’m not a super fit chick like you, but it’s inspiring to read how you do it.
Boston must have been super hot, as I read on another blog.
Your pics as an 11-year-old are awesome. Those giant T-shirts were a must-have. Used to have some myself. That was the time when I didn’t want to look “girlie”. 🙂 Anyway, the pictures show that it’s in your blood. Good luck to your Mom too!
Thanks for your comment on my blog in May. Loved your advice. Really appreaciate it. Added a link to your blog from mine, Jane @ MomGenerations, the hover says “Jane Couto–dog mom, Ironwoman, and cool blogger”, I thought that was appropriate. (Let me know if you’d like it changed.)
Again, all the best,
Maya